Irresistibly Creamy Peanut Butter Overnight Oats: Your Easy No-Cook Breakfast!
Imagine waking up to a delicious, creamy breakfast that tastes like a treat but is packed with wholesome goodness. Our Peanut Butter Overnight Oats deliver exactly that! Combining classic old-fashioned oats with rich, creamy peanut butter and a touch of sweet honey, this recipe creates a breakfast experience that feels like dessert in a jar. Best of all, it’s a fantastic no-cook oatmeal option, perfect for busy mornings, and this particular version is crafted specifically without chia seeds for those who prefer their oats a little less gel-like.
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Overnight oats are a revolutionary concept for anyone seeking a convenient, nourishing, and delicious breakfast solution. They are essentially a type of no-cook oatmeal where dry and wet ingredients are combined and left to soak together overnight in the refrigerator. This simple process allows the oats to soften beautifully, absorbing the liquids and flavors without needing any heat. The result is a perfectly textured, ready-to-eat breakfast meal that’s a fantastic option for your breakfast meal prep routine.
While I enjoy cooking elaborate breakfasts like pancakes or zucchini casserole on relaxed weekends, during the week, my mornings demand efficiency. That’s where overnight oats shine as my absolute go-to for a convenient, make-ahead breakfast. This particular recipe is a crowd-pleaser, providing rich flavor and satisfying sustenance without any morning fuss.
My foundational recipe for overnight oats is thoughtfully adapted from Eating Bird Food, with a key modification: the exclusion of chia seeds. While chia seeds are popular in many overnight oats recipes for their thickening properties and nutritional benefits, some prefer their oats to have a less gelatinous texture. This recipe delivers a perfectly creamy consistency using Greek yogurt, ensuring a delightful mouthfeel every time. Once you master this peanut butter version, you might also enjoy exploring other flavors like protein powder overnight oats and Nutella overnight oats.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Overnight Oats Recipe
These peanut butter overnight oats aren’t just delicious; they’re designed to simplify your mornings and nourish your body. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:
- Effortlessly Easy: With minimal prep and just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this is one of the simplest overnight oats recipes you’ll find. It’s perfect for anyone, from kitchen novices to seasoned cooks, and truly makes for stress-free, busy mornings.
- Ultimate Meal Prep Solution: Say goodbye to rushed breakfasts! These peanut butter oats are the epitome of a make-ahead breakfast. Prepare a batch (or several!) on Sunday evening, and you’ll have healthy, ready-to-eat meals for the entire week.
- Wholesome & Healthy: Fuel your day with a breakfast that delivers. This recipe is packed with healthy fats from peanut butter, fiber from old-fashioned oats, and protein from Greek yogurt and oats, along with the goodness of whole grains. It’s a balanced way to start your day right.
- Incredibly Delicious: Tastes like a treat! The combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet honey creates a flavor profile that’s both indulgent and comforting, ensuring you look forward to breakfast.
- No Chia Seeds Required: For those who prefer a specific texture or have dietary preferences, this recipe achieves perfect creaminess without the addition of chia seeds, focusing on the natural thickening power of oats and yogurt.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Creating these delightful peanut butter overnight oats requires just a few pantry staples. You likely already have most of these on hand, making this recipe incredibly convenient to whip up!
- Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: These are the star of our overnight oats. It’s crucial to use old fashioned oatmeal, also known as rolled oats. These absorb liquid slowly and evenly, creating a wonderfully chewy yet tender texture. Avoid instant oats or quick oats, as they tend to become mushy when soaked overnight. Steel-cut oats also don’t work well for this no-cook method as they require cooking to soften properly.
- Almond Milk: This provides the liquid base for our oats to soak in. I typically use unsweetened vanilla almond milk for a subtle flavor boost without added sugar. However, feel free to use your milk of choice! Cow’s milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or even oat milk (though it has more carbs, it’s a popular option for creaminess) would work perfectly.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: A secret weapon for achieving incredible creaminess and a boost of protein without chia seeds. Plain Greek yogurt also adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness. You can also opt for vanilla yogurt for extra flavor or nonfat yogurt if you’re watching calories.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: The namesake ingredient that brings rich, nutty flavor and a velvety texture. I highly recommend using creamy peanut butter as it blends much more easily into the mixture compared to chunky varieties, ensuring a smooth, consistent flavor throughout.
- Honey: For natural sweetness that complements the peanut butter beautifully. If you prefer, you can use other natural sweeteners like pure maple syrup, agave nectar, or an equal amount of brown sugar. Adjust to your desired level of sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a small amount of pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile, adding a warm and inviting note that makes these oats taste even more indulgent.
- Salt: A pinch of salt might seem counterintuitive in a sweet dish, but it’s essential! It truly helps to bring out and enhance the deep, savory flavors of the peanut butter, balancing the sweetness from the honey.
- Cinnamon: A tiny pinch of ground cinnamon adds a comforting warmth and depth of flavor, making your oats feel even more like a cozy treat.
For precise quantities, please refer to the recipe card below.
Simple Steps to Prepare Your Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Making these delicious overnight oats is incredibly simple, requiring minimal effort and no cooking. Just follow these easy steps the night before for a grab-and-go breakfast in the morning!
- Combine All Ingredients: Start by adding all of your measured ingredients – old-fashioned oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, creamy peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon – to a 12 oz or 16 oz jar or a small bowl.
- Stir Until Smooth: Using a spoon or small whisk, vigorously stir all the ingredients together. This step is crucial for ensuring the creamy peanut butter is thoroughly incorporated and distributed throughout the oats. Keep mixing until the mixture is uniform and there are no visible streaks of peanut butter. The more thoroughly you mix, the creamier your oats will be.
- Refrigerate: Once well-mixed, cover your jar or bowl tightly. This prevents the oats from drying out and absorbing any unwanted fridge odors. Place it in the refrigerator overnight, or for a minimum of four hours. This chilling time is essential for the oats to soften and for the flavors to meld together, resulting in that perfect creamy texture.
- Serve: The next morning, remove your container from the fridge. Give the oatmeal a good stir to reincorporate any settled ingredients and check the consistency. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash more milk to reach your desired texture. Then, simply serve and enjoy your effortlessly prepared, delicious breakfast!
While I personally enjoy my overnight oats cold, straight from the fridge, you can easily warm them if you prefer hot oatmeal. Simply transfer the oats to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired temperature.
Delicious Topping Ideas for Your Peanut Butter Oats
While these peanut butter overnight oats are delightful on their own, adding toppings can elevate your breakfast experience with extra flavor, texture, and nutrition. I always love to add a few finishing touches for a satisfying crunch and burst of freshness. Here are some fantastic ideas to inspire you:
For Added Crunch:
- Peanuts: Chopped or whole, peanuts are a natural match for peanut butter. They add a lovely crunch and reinforce the nutty flavor.
- Granola: A sprinkle of your favorite granola can add a sweet crunch and textural contrast.
- Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips, dark chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup can turn your breakfast into a decadent treat.
- Toasted Coconut Flakes: For a tropical twist and subtle sweetness.
- Seeds: While this recipe is without chia seeds, a sprinkle of flax seeds, hemp seeds, or pumpkin seeds can add nutrients and a slight crunch.
For Extra Flavor & Creaminess:
- Extra Peanut Butter Drizzle: For an ultimate peanut butter punch, warm a spoonful of peanut butter slightly and drizzle it over the top.
- Nutella: If you’re a fan of the peanut butter-chocolate-hazelnut combination, a swirl of Nutella is heavenly.
- Honey or Maple Syrup Drizzle: Add a little more sweetness if desired.
Fresh Fruit Pairings:
Peanut butter pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, adding natural sweetness, vitamins, and a refreshing element:
- Banana Slices: A classic combination that is always a hit.
- Strawberries: Fresh, juicy strawberries add a lovely tartness that cuts through the richness of the peanut butter.
- Blueberries or Raspberries: Any berry works beautifully, adding antioxidants and bright flavor.
- Apple Slices: Thinly sliced apples (especially crisp varieties) add a refreshing crunch.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match! A combination of fruit, a crunchy element, and a drizzle can create your perfect personalized bowl of peanut butter overnight oats.
Customize Your Peanut Butter Overnight Oats: Easy Substitutions
One of the best things about overnight oats is how adaptable they are. Here are a few ways to personalize your peanut butter overnight oats, ensuring they perfectly match your taste and dietary preferences:
- Milk Alternatives: While unsweetened vanilla almond milk is my preferred choice for its subtle flavor and lower sugar content, you have many options.
- Dairy Milk: If you don’t mind the natural sugars, cow’s milk will yield a creamier result.
- Other Plant-Based Milks: Coconut milk (from a carton, not canned) adds a hint of tropical flavor, while soy milk offers more protein. Even oat milk can be used, though note that it typically contains more carbohydrates than almond milk.
- Consider Sugar Content: Oatmeal is inherently a carb-heavy breakfast, so I tend to opt for unsweetened plant milks to manage overall sugar intake.
- Nut Butter & Seed Butter Variations: This recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to nut butters.
- Almond Butter: Offers a slightly different, often milder, nutty flavor.
- Cashew Butter: Known for its exceptional creaminess and sweet flavor.
- Sunflower Seed Butter (SunButter): A fantastic nut-free alternative for those with allergies, providing a similar texture and richness.
- Peanut Butter Powder: For a lower-fat, higher-protein option, you can use peanut butter powder (like PB2). Just mix it with a small amount of water or milk to create a paste before adding to the oats, or simply add it directly to the dry ingredients for a less intense flavor. Adjust liquid as needed.
- Sweetener Options: Honey and peanut butter are a classic pairing for a reason, but feel free to switch it up!
- Pure Maple Syrup: A great vegan alternative with a distinct, delicious flavor. Use the same amount as honey.
- Agave Nectar: Another plant-based option that provides a neutral sweetness.
- Brown Sugar: Can be used for a deeper, caramelized flavor. Start with the same amount as honey and adjust to taste.
- Stevia or Monk Fruit: If you’re looking to reduce sugar, a few drops of a liquid sweetener or a small amount of a granulated sugar substitute can be used.
- Spice It Up: Beyond cinnamon, a tiny pinch of nutmeg or a dash of pumpkin pie spice can add seasonal flair.
Experiment with these substitutions to find your perfect combination and make this recipe truly your own!
Essential Equipment for Overnight Oats Success
Making overnight oats requires minimal equipment, but choosing the right container can significantly enhance your experience, especially when dealing with creamy ingredients like peanut butter.
Once all the ingredients are combined for a single serving, the volume in my preferred mason jar typically measures a little under 10 ounces. In my photos, I often use a 12 oz mason jar. This size offers ample room to mix the ingredients thoroughly without spillage and leaves plenty of space at the top if you decide to add extra toppings in the morning.
However, if you’re planning to scale up your recipe to increase the serving size (e.g., making a double batch) or if you really love a generous amount of toppings, you’ll appreciate the extra space provided by a 16 oz wide-mouth mason jar. This larger size is generally my go-to recommendation for maximum versatility.
I highly recommend using a wide-mouth jar. The wider opening makes it significantly easier to get your spoon in and out, whether you’re mixing the initial ingredients or stirring in toppings before serving. This “wiggle room” is particularly helpful when incorporating thicker ingredients like peanut butter, ensuring everything is well combined without making a mess. If you don’t have mason jars, a regular bowl covered tightly with cling wrap or an airtight lid will also work perfectly.
Storage Tips for Freshness
These peanut butter overnight oats are an ideal choice for meal prepping, and they store beautifully. To keep them fresh and delicious:
- Container: Always store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container. Mason jars work perfectly, but any container with a tight-fitting lid will do the trick.
- Duration: When stored correctly, your overnight oats will stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. This makes them perfect for preparing on a Sunday night and enjoying throughout the work week.
- Best Practice: Make sure to stir your oats well before eating, especially if you’ve added toppings, as some settling may occur. If they appear too thick after a few days, simply add a splash of milk and stir until your desired consistency is reached.
Explore More Delicious Overnight Oats Recipes
If you love the convenience and flavor of these peanut butter overnight oats, you’ll be thrilled to discover a world of other delicious variations! Overnight oats are incredibly versatile, offering endless possibilities to customize your breakfast. Looking for another easy and satisfying oatmeal recipe? Here are some other favorites you might enjoy:
- Cookie Butter Overnight Oats
- Vanilla Overnight Oats
- Nutella Overnight Oats
- Overnight Oats with Protein Powder
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Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Equipment
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Mason jar (16 oz)
Ingredients
- ½ cup old fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup almond milk unsweetened vanilla
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt plain
- 3 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch cinnamon
Instructions
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Add all of the ingredients to a 12 oz or 16 oz jar or bowl and stir to combine until peanut butter is completely incorporated.
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Cover and refrigerate overnight or a minimum of four hours.
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Remove from the fridge, stir the oatmeal, and serve.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container. Good for up to 4 days.
Nutrition